One of the great things about living in the DC Metro area is all of the things you can find to do on a long weekend. You don't have to spend a fortunate in gas or days traveling to enjoy a few hours or a day out with friends or family.
You can never go wrong with a day at the National Zoo. Everyone wants to see the Lions, Tigers and of course Panda Bears. The crowds have thinned and the animals are out enjoying the cooler weather. Starting on November 23rd the annual Zoo Lights will be open.
Wander the grounds Arlington National Cemetery. The views from Arlington House, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and President Kennedy's gravesite are just a few of the sites that make Arlington National Cemetery a must on everyone's tour of the area.
Interested in Aviation History? The Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Center is the newest addition to the Smithsonian but not located in DC. The center which houses the space shuttle Enterprise is actually in Chantilly VA about 20 miles west of DC. You will also find the B-29 Enola Gay and an SR-71 (Habu) spy plane. With flight simulators and an IMAX theater at the center it is easy to spend an entire day within the walls of the center. It is free to enter the museum but there is a parking fee per car.
Check out George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate on the banks of the Potomac River. It is easy to see why George Washington loved this property and why it is one of the most popular places to visit in the area. The grounds are impeccable, you can see the farm life as it was in the 1700's and be thankful that preservationists were able to keep Mount Vernon for all of us to see 300 years later. Starting on November 23rd the estate is decked out for the holidays and on the 23rd to 25th there are special candlelight tours. Tickets are required.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps located just outside of the main gate of Quantico is the ultimate Ooh-rah" experience. Designed to resemble the flag raising at Iwo Jima the museum this museum is designed to make you understand what it means to be a Marine. With interactive exhibits you can feel as if you are right in the thick of the action. This is a great place to pay tribute to all current and past Marines and understand their place in our US history.
You can also grab your ice skates and head to the Reston Town Center, Harris Pavilion in Manassas and of course all of the local park trails are open for you to enjoy too.
Take a break this weekend, walk off some of the Pumpkin Pie and enjoy one of our many local area attractions.
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